Upper Lars checkpoint on Georgia-Russia border opened today

The Upper Lars checkpoint on the Georgia-Russia border opened at 6:00 a.m. today, but so far no one has crossed.

The checkpoint was opened on the basis of an exchange of notes through the Swiss side, which represents the interests of Moscow and Tbilisi after diplomatic relations ruptured between the two countries, the Georgian Foreign Ministry told Trend .

Georgian and Russian citizens will be able to cross through the Kazbegi (Georgia) and the Upper Lars (Russia) checkpoints. Based on existing rules, citizens will be required to obtain a visa at the Swiss Embassy in Tbilisi in the Russian interests section and at the Swiss Embassy in Moscow in the Georgian interests section.

This sole official checkpoint on the Georgian-Russia border has not operated for three years.

In early May 2009, Russia completed the construction of the new Upper Lars international automobile checkpoint.

Georgia completed the reconstruction of the checkpoint in September 2009 with U.S. assistance.